A poet with a passion for systems, Salena brings her storytelling abilities and commitment to community building to New Urban Arts’ development initiatives.
As a Black, Queer, Jewish woman, Salena is driven to champion accessibility and inclusion, drawing on her experience uplifting creative voices from traditionally marginalized groups. As an early career nonprofiteer, her Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing helps her craft compelling narratives that inspire action and empathy, while her decade of experience in customer-facing roles allows her to nurture the vital relationships between NUA and its supporters.
When she’s not making thank you calls or running reports, Salena can be found sharing her poems at local open mics, pouring protein shakes behind the bar of local nutrition clubs, or facilitating real human connections as a host of Skip the Small Talk events.